Spending Review 2015: Bilfinger GVA directors have set out their wish list for chancellor George Osborne ahead of his announcement this afternoon.
• Transformative broadband speed and tax relief to allow greater digital network in rural areas are two areas for which the firm would like to see government action.
“Giving businesses of all sizes the ability to work remotely in an effective and agile way should remain one of the government’s absolute priorities if it claims to support entrepreneurialism and business start-up,” said Colin Sharp, senior director, Bilfinger GVA’s national head of telecoms.
• Unnecessary ring-fencing needs an urgent review to offset an increased defence budget.
“We believe there is plenty of scope to help ensure their [local authorities’] land assets work harder. By working in partnership with the private sector, this could help plug revenue gaps, and in turn assist the delivery of new homes and regeneration projects,” said Jerry Freeman, director, planning development and regeneration.
• There should be a dedicated budget for the northern powerhouse.
“The government needs to be more assertive in terms presenting tangible funding to allow the northern powerhouse to achieve its potential,” said Nicola Rigby, director, planning development and regeneration.
• Also needed is business rates relief for local authorities to assist development.
“Buying a site, obtaining planning permission and ensuring contractors are in place takes time. To ensure best development in the UK is stimulated, Bilfinger GVA would like the chancellor to provide billing authorities with extra funding for lost empty rates where there is clear evidence that a developer, after buying a site, is doing what it can to ensure the development starts in a timely fashion,” said David Jones, senior director and head of London business rates.
